Let’s take a trip back in time with this post. Once upon a time, Walt Disney World operated a Welcome Center in Ocala, Florida. Sadly it is now just a memory for those who used to enjoy stopping there. The Welcome Center was a gift shop and information center staffed by Disney Cast Members and […]
When Will Disney’s Theme Parks Reopen?
That’s the big question on everyone’s mind! (Updated 12 June) UPDATE 3/26: Intel from Disney cast member channels is that Disney is looking at Mid May for reopening and will be cutting staff to 2008/2009 recession levels! UPDATE 3/27: Disney is only going to pay cast members through 18 April. UPDATE 3/29: Walt Disney World’s reservation system […]
Shades of Green’s Official 2020 Disney Armed Forces Salute Ticket Policy for Cancelled Trips
Shades of Green has shared their Official Policy regarding Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets that cannot be used due to the current situation. HOT NEWS – Disney Has Extended the Expiration Dates for the 2020 Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets. There is also Universal and SeaWorld info at the end… Shades of Green has not […]
Disney Armed Forces Salute Ticket Refunds
The current Disney Park closure has caused havoc in the military community! HOT NEWS – Disney Has Extended the Expiration Dates for the 2020 Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets. While Disney immediately posted information regarding its theme park tickets for general public guests, military travelers have been left out in the dark, wondering if they […]
Disney’s US Parks and Cruise Line Closed! Plus DoD Travel Ban!
Disney has announced that their US parks, Hotels, Cruise Line, Aulani, and Adventures by Disney are closed due to the current health concerns. (Updated 12 June, will continue to update as needed) Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort are Closed Until Further Notice! Updates: 3/15 – Reservation fees change fees waived for check ins through […]
Walt Disney World’s Retreat Ceremony Continues in 2020
Even though the Disney parks are closed Disney Security continues to honor the U.S. Flag. Raising the flag each morning and lowering it at the end of the day just like always! Walt Disney World Resort President Josh D’Amaro said: “While our world looks very different today, one thing endures…the American flag still flies over […]
Military FastPass Plus Ticket Options for Disney World
Here is a rundown on the ticket options available for military families planning a Walt Disney World vacation. FastPass Plus is Walt Disney World’s attraction advance reservation system. Military families traveling to Walt Disney World have several ticket options available to them for their vacations. Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way tickets […]
Waiting On Your Walt Disney World 60-Day FastPass Plus Window To Open
So you’ve linked your Disney Armed Forces Salute or Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way tickets to your My Disney Account. What’s next? How Your Account Will Look At First (updated February 2020) As soon as you link a valid ticket or annual pass to your account you will open up your 30 day FastPass […]
Walt Disney World Flag Retreat Ceremony
Every day at Walt Disney World the Magic Kingdom holds a Flag Retreat Ceremony to honor our nation and those who defend it. It takes place at 5:00 p.m. on the square on Main Street, U.S.A. at the entrance to the Magic Kingdom. Walt Disney World Security and a special guest conduct the ceremony. 📍 […]
Disney Military Discounts for Veterans Who Did Not Retire from the Military
Hi there and welcome to the world of Disney Veteran Discount Tickets and Disney Veteran Discounted Rooms. In this post we’ll be covering just who is eligible and what is available for Walt Disney World and Disneyland Vacations for non-retired US Military Veterans. Note: For the purpose if this post, Veteran indicates someone who has […]
Why Are Disney Military Ticket Prices at My Base Ticket Office Different than Prices on Military Disney Tips?
When pricing Disney Military Tickets, you will see different prices depending where you look! Why the prices that I’ve listed for Disney Military Discount Tickets vary from what Disney has posted online or that Base Ticket Offices post/charge is a question that I’m asked from time to time. In this post I’ll lay out just […]
All You Need To Know About Disney World FastPass Plus For The Military Traveler
Disney World’s FastPass Plus (FastPass+, FP+) is an important topic for both the general public and the military community. FastPass Plus works with all military discounted Disney tickets! Many Base Ticket Offices sell Disney Armed Forces Salute Ticket Vouchers rather that the actual tickets. You must exchange these vouchers for the real tickets upon arrival, These vouchers […]
Shades of Green Stays for Non-Retired Veterans
Non-Retired Veterans are eligible to stay at Shades of Green Resort on Disney Property Are you one of the many who served your country in the US Military but did not retire? With their “Salute to Our Veterans” Program, Shades of Green accepts reservations from non-retired US military veterans for stays in January and September. […]
Disney Discounts and the John McCain Defense Authorization Act
How H.R.5515 – the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 affects Disney Discounts Congress passed the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act which went into effect 1 January 2020. It is also know as The Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018. the act applies to: […]
The 2020 Edition of Walt Disney World for Military Families is Available!
Hi there, I’m so excited to be able to announce that the 2020 version of Walt Disney World for Military Families has been released. I have to wait each year for the new Disney Armed Forces Salute information to come out in order to be able to finish it up. Walt Disney World for Military […]
2020 Disney Armed Forces Salute Renewal Announced!
Announcing the 2020 Disney Armed Forces Salute! 2021 Disney Armed Forces Salute Information I’m very happy to announce that Disney has once again released the news that the hugely popular Disney Armed Forces Salute has been renewed for 2020. The currently running 2019 Disney Armed Forces Salute is an entirely separate offer which ends on […]
The Essential Guide to Shades of Green
Planning a Disney World Vacation is challenging to say the least. With all you have to think about, you don’t want to have to worry that your accommodations won’t be what you expect. The Essential Guide to Shades of Green will show you everything you need to know about Shades of Green! The first time […]
Disney’s High Tech Smart Elevators
Disney has some pretty cool elevators in some of their Resort Hotels on both coasts. You can find these Smart Elevators in the Paradise Pier Hotel at the Disneyland Resort and the new Grand Destino Tower at Walt Disney World’s Coronado Springs Resort. These elevators vary from the regular sort in that you select the […]
Shades of Green Increases Parking Rates for 2020
For the third time in 2 years Shades of Green has raised its Parking Garage Rates for guests staying at the resort on Walt Disney World property. Shades of Green has raised parking rates for the second time in 2019! Parking Fee History at Shades of Green During its first decade of operation, Shades of […]
January Disney Armed Forces Salute Ticket Availability
Will Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets be available for my January Walt Disney World Trip? This is a question that comes up every year after the late September Disney Armed Forces Salute renewal announcement. This is only an issue for those traveling to Walt Disney World, as tickets are not needed ahead of time for […]
Disney Parks’ Call Center – Should You Trust Them About Military Discounts?
I’ve had writing this post in the back of my mind for a long time and the frustration behind it has been building for years. I’ve put off writing it because of how much I care for Disney Cast Members, some of the most dedicated and skilled workers on the planet. But I can’t take […]
When Will Disney Renew the Disney Armed Forces Salute for 2020?
Will there be a Disney Military Discount next year? Is a question that I begin getting in increasing numbers starting every June. The military community starts asking then because Disney always releases their general public resort rates for the upcoming year in late June. However this is not the case for Disney’s military discounts: the […]
Hurricane Dorian Walt Disney World and Shades of Green
Hurricanes, Severe Weather, and Thunderstorms at Walt Disney World and Shades of Green. Walt Disney World Rarely Closes for Inclement Weather But rest assured that they have plans in place to shelter their guests if it is required! Shades of Green which is a military facility also has plans for these situations. If a hurricane […]
Shades of Green Survivors’ Family Program
The Survivors’ Family Program extends to eligible Family members who have suffered a loss of an Active Duty sponsor regardless of the cause. The Survivors’ Family Discount Program provides a 50 percent discount from normal room rates by applicable rate category. The discount applies to additional occupants and up to three guest rooms. The Survivors’ […]
Increased Parking Fees at Disney World Resorts for 2020
Along with releasing 2020 general public resort prices today, Disney also increased the cost to park at the Walt Disney World Resorts. 18 June 2019 – The change is effective for all reservations made starting today. Reservations booked prior will still be at the old rates. For reservations made before 18 June 2019 for arrivals […]